Disclaimer: Don't own so don't sue (please).

Previously…(since you guys probably forgot…I know I had by the time I finally decided to write this hehe)

Shuichi stared, blinking in the light as he stepped off the plane and pulled his coat tighter around him. "Where are we?"

"Welcome to Italy, Shu." Yuki replied with a smile, kissing the top of Shuichi's head and Shuichi felt his heart sink at the words.

-xXx-

"Italy?" Shuichi repeated in a faint breath.

"You don't like it?" Yuki asked with only mild concern.

"No," Shuichi said, breaking away from his disconcerting thoughts, "I love it!" He exclaimed jumping up and throwing his arms around Yuki's neck.

"Alright, alright, you've made your point." Yuki grumbled pushing Shuichi off of him once he decided he had held on long enough.

"Sorry." Shuichi apologized, grinning sheepishly.

"I didn't say you needed to apologize." Yuki muttered in slight annoyance even as he started steering Shuichi towards a sleek black car that sat waiting for them just off the runway.

"So I guess this is why you were kind of upset at me for messing up the dates…and also why you made me change clothes."

"You're catching on." Yuki commented dryly as the car took off. Not five minutes later, they came to a stop at the edge of a large body of water across which Shuichi could see yellow and white lights twinkling in the distance.

"What's this?" Shuichi asked.

"It's a boat. We have these in Japan, too, so don't go getting all touristy on me just yet."

"Obviously. I meant why are we taking one?" Shuichi asked again, accepting Yuki's helping hand as he stepped onto the vessel.

"No cars in Venice." Yuki remarked briefly. "So, come on."

"Venice?!" Shuichi exclaimed, a smile breaking across his face once more; Venice was a city he had always longed to go to and better yet, last he heard, his friend was nowhere near Venice. Perfect.

Shuichi was in awe through the entire boat ride. Despite the fading light, he did his very best to take in every sight they passed—much to Yuki's amusement—and once they entered into the twisting maze of canals, he was practically begging Yuki to let them keep exploring rather than go to the hotel.

Yuki very adamantly said no. He did, however, promise Shuichi a gondola ride later which got the pop star to shut up for the duration of the trip (though he continued to look around in amazement all the way up to their suite in the hotel).

"Yuki! This place is amazing!" Shuichi exclaimed, spinning in a slow circle as he walked into their room.

"Is there anything else you need?" The bellboy who had brought their luggage up asked.

"No, thank you." Yuki said, absentmindedly handing him a tip. Once the two had been left alone, Yuki grabbed his bag so he could move it to the bedroom.

"Shu! Come get your stuff." He yelled over his shoulder. No response came and there was no other noise to indicate Shuichi was coming over to obey.

"Shuichi?" He questioned once more. No response once again. With a sigh, he set down his bag and turned to look for his missing boyfriend. He quickly found him standing out on the balcony and leaning over the railing so far that Yuki swore he would fall off.

Sneaking up behind his lover, Yuki quickly grabbed his shoulders and pushed him forward before pulling him back to safety. Yuki admitted to himself that the action was a little childish, but the cute little yell of surprise and the way Shuichi was currently holding on to him made it well worth it.

"Yuki!" Shuichi exclaimed, jumping away from his boyfriend and glaring up at him once his fear of dying passed.

"What?" Yuki asked, feigning ignorance.

"You terrified me!"

"Well that's what you get for ignoring me." Yuki said with a shrug.

"Ah. Sorry." Shuichi said glancing back at the view. "It's just so beautiful."

"So. I take it you like it then." Yuki commented from behind his boyfriend who was staring out over Venice once again.

"Yeah. I feel like I could just stay up here the whole trip—the lights are so beautiful!" Shuichi said, turning to grin at Yuki.

"I wouldn't be completely opposed to that." Yuki said wrapping his arms around Shuichi's waist and pressing a kiss to the side of his neck. Shuichi let out a soft squeak of surprise and a rosy flush filled his cheeks which only deepened as Yuki moved to claim his lips. Shuichi relaxed into the kiss with a sigh; no matter how long they were together, Shuichi would never tire of Yuki's kisses and then way they always sent his head spinning.

All too soon, Yuki pulled away, "Go get unpacked, brat."

"Right now?" Shuichi whined, unhappy with both the command and the loss of contact.

"Yes, now. If you don't do it now, I know you'll just make a mess living out of your suitcase for the next week."

Shuichi grumbled incoherently but set about putting his things away in the drawers and closet.

Once he finished, Shuichi returned to the living area to join Yuki—who had finished unpacking quite some time ago—on the couch.

"Yuki?"

"What is it?"

"Why did you do all of this? I'm mean, I love it, I really do…but you hate Valentine's Day, don't you?"

"You like this kind of stuff." Yuki stated bluntly as if it were the most obvious answer in the world.

Shuichi looked momentarily startled—he'd known the answer but he hadn't expected Yuki to own up so easily.

"Thank you." Shuichi said quietly, not really knowing what else to say. Yuki remained silent and for a while the two of them remained as they were on the couch.

"So what should we do first?" Shuichi asked, grinning at his boyfriend.

"I don't know if you've noticed, but it's kind of nighttime here so…bed?" Yuki suggested with a shrug.

"I slept on the plane…" Shuichi said with a pout.

"Sorry," Yuki said with a grin of his own as he picked Shuichi up off the couch. "Did you hear me suggesting sleep?"

-xXx-

The following day proved bright and sunny if still chilly from the last remnants of winter and Shuichi couldn't wait to head out to explore Venice. However, almost as soon as he stepped foot outside of the hotel, something else immediately grabbed his attention.

"Yuki…why are there so many people dressed in costumes and masks?! Are you sure we haven't gone back in time or something?" Shuichi whispered to the blonde, forgetting that most likely no one would be able to understand him.

"I didn't mention? The Carnival of Venice is going on right now. I thought you'd enjoy the costumes and whatnot so…Shuichi?!"

"This is so cool!" Shuichi exclaimed, running down the street in hopes of finding more costumes around the corner.

"Next time I'm choosing a place without costumes." Yuki grumbled to himself, suddenly regretting his decision as he slowly followed after the pink-haired singer.

"Hey, brat. How about instead of sightseeing today, we just wander around…at a more human speed." Yuki suggested once he had caught up to a slightly lost Shuichi.

"Sure." Shuichi responded with a sheepish smile, looping his arm through Yuki's.

It didn't take Shuichi long to figure out there were places that Yuki actually really wanted to see—mostly involving books or old but important buildings— and Shuichi couldn't help but wonder if they had anything to do with Yuki's choice of location. Regardless he was content just spending the time with the novelist and watch the people go about in their strange outfits and masks.

"How do you feel about heading back to the mainland for some dinner?" Yuki asked after their day of "aimless wandering".

Shuichi looked slightly skeptical. "Yuki, we'd just be going for dinner, right? Because I swear we've seen every single old library and building in this entire country!"

"Well then it's a good thing we aren't going to see another old building, isn't it? …And in any case, there are a lot of "old libraries and buildings" in this country that we haven't seen."

Just as he promised, the two found a cozy restaurant—no side trips included—where Shuichi endeavored to order and finish completely his own large Italian style pizza.

"If you get sick don't blame me." Yuki commented as they left the restaurant. "I gave you fair warning that you shouldn't finish the whole thing if you felt like you couldn't."

"Please! I'm fine! …Though I may pass on breakfast tomorrow."

A small smile passed across Yuki's face, not that Shuichi could really see it in the dark anyway. "Alright then, if you're "fine", join me for a walk?"

"Yuki…"

"No old buildings, I know. It would be too dark to see them anyway."

Shuichi looked slightly skeptical but followed his boyfriend anyway. Instead of leading Shuichi back to where their boat was docked as the singer had initially expected, Yuki lead them towards what appeared to be a park, filled with trees that, had it been spring, would have been weighed down by blossoms. As it was, there were only the faintest signs of green accompanied by an icy breeze.

Eventually Yuki came to a stop at a pool of water, seating himself on a bench and motioning for Shuichi to join him. For a long while Yuki didn't say a word, instead staring at the man-made lake in front of him, just watching the reflections of the moon and surrounding lampposts as they shifted and changed along with the ripples in the water.

Shuichi, in turn, was watching his boyfriend in concern. Something was clearly on his mind but he had absolutely no indication as to what it might be and consequently had no idea how to broach the silence.

"Shuichi…I…have something I want to say to you and… I'd like it if you'd just listen."

Shuichi slowly nodded, a million thoughts flashing through his mind as he tried to figure out what Yuki would say—maybe this unexpectedly nice trip to Italy was too good to be true.

"Every day I wonder what it is about me that you claim to love so much."

Shuichi gave a small frown, not liking this unbelievably uncharacteristic remark. "Yuki—"

"What did I say about just listening?" Yuki remarked with a slight glower. Shuichi shut his mouth.

"Anyway, I guess I'll get straight to the point of this." Yuki slid from his seat on the bench so he was on one knee in front of Shuichi who was staring at him in complete and utter shock. "I know it's technically not legal for us to get married, but I also don't do the best job of getting my feelings across. So I want you know once and for all that I love you and absolutely nothing would make me happier than to be married to you, even if it can only ever be acknowledged between the two of us." Yuki finished, pulling a small dark box from his pocket and opening it to reveal a ring nestled snuggly in black satin.

For a long moment Shuichi just stared before falling down from the bench and throwing his arms around Yuki's neck.

"You realize that I'm never going to let you go now, right? And if you dare pull one of those disappearing stunts again…well, I'll find you."

"Yeah. I've already come to count on that." Yuki whispered returning the embrace. Only when Yuki was aware of the cold from the stones seeping up through his clothes did he let go and pull Shuichi up to a standing position.

"So…I take it that was a theoretical yes?"

Shuichi nodded and laughed, still hardly able to believe it as Yuki slipped the ring onto his finger.

Shuichi quieted as he stared at the ring: a shining, silver creation that seemed to be made of two slightly wide, overlapping bands, the top of which had an inset strand of diamonds. Overall not too girly yet still very pretty.

"It's perfect, thank you." Shuichi whispered, standing on his toes kiss his boyfriend.

"Unless you've got an interest in becoming an exhibitionist, I suggest we get back to the hotel."

"You're fault for choosing somewhere so far away!" Shuichi complained, but stepped away anyway as he had an odd feeling that Yuki wouldn't say no to his own comment.

-xXx-

"Don't you want to call your little friends?" Yuki asked softly once the two were curled up together in bed basking in post-coital bliss.

"I thought about it. I'd rather see their expressions in person."

"Fair enough."

-xXx-

Shuichi awoke feeling happier than he had felt in ages, pulling his hand out from under the blanket, he admired the ring the adorned his ring finger, partially to reassure himself that it wasn't a dream and partially because he just liked the way it looked on his hand.

"If you start paying more attention to that thing instead of me, I will take it away." A slightly groggy voice stated from beside him. Shuichi turned his head to see Yuki watching him through half opened eyes.

Shuichi grinned and rolled onto his side to kiss his lover. "Like that would ever happen."

"So what do you want to do today?"

Shuichi shrugged. "I don't care what we do during the day, but later…"

"Later what?" Yuki prompted, not in the mood to play guessing games so early in the morning.

"Can we stay out a little later than usual tonight?"

"…How late?"

"Not very!" Shuichi amended quickly, sensing Yuki's imminent rejection. "I just want to see all the costumes and stuff at night…and…I heard there was some kind of dance in St. Mark's square tonight."

Yuki looked uncertain though not completely opposed.

"Please Yuki! Just for a bit!"

"…Fine. But when I say we're leaving, we're leaving. None of that 'ten more minutes' shit."

Shuichi let out a squeal of joy and consequently, 12 hours later Yuki found himself in a heavily decorated St. Mark's Square surrounded by gaudy costumes, a full orchestra (in costume), a dance floor for renaissance style dancing, and even a hot air balloon. At least they seemed to have a full bar, Yuki noted, taking sight of familiar looking liquor bottles across the way.

Shuichi, on the other hand, looked positively thrilled to be there, spinning slowly in a circle as they entered the area to see the decorations, costumes, and dancing.

He stopped halfway through a spin, catching sight of a beautiful porcelain mask decorated with flourishes of ebony and gold. It took him a moment longer to realize that whoever was wearing that mask was seemed to be staring directly back at him. Slightly unnerved, he broke the gaze and reached out to grab Yuki's hand.

"You ok?" Yuki asked, looking down at the singer curiously.

"I'm fine. Just didn't want to get separated….You think we should have gotten masks?" Shuichi asked Yuki as they watched the scene of bright lights and costumes.

"No. We've got your hair. That's more than enough."

"Hey!" Shuichi exclaimed, covering his hair with his hands defensively.

Yuki nodded and led him over to a vacant table, placing a drink order with a passing waiter.

A few minutes later, when a fancy looking pink drink topped with a strawberry and pineapple slice was placed in front of Shuichi, he looked at Yuki in surprise.

"What's this?"

"It's a Strawberry Daiquiri. It's sweet so I thought you might like it."

Shuichi took a tentative sip and after a moments consideration he took on a very pleased expression.

"Just be careful there's—" Shuichi pushed the empty glass aside, asking for a refill. "Alcohol in there…"

One more daiquiri and lots of forced water later, Shuichi set off through the crowd in search of a toilet feel slightly fuzzy but otherwise fine. Once finished, Shuichi set off back towards Yuki only to realize he hadn't exactly take note of where they had been sitting. Glancing up, he tried to orient himself against the hot air balloon, the only landmark he had really taken note of. Deciding on a direction, Shuichi turned and walked straight into someone.

"Oh! Excuse me!" Shuichi said, once again entirely forgetting that no one else spoke Japanese.

"Shuichi? Is that you?" Came a slightly muffled voice

Shuichi started in surprise at hearing his native tongue and looked up once more to see the beautiful porcelain mask he thought he had seen watching him earlier.

"Sorry, do I know you?"

The man before him pulled the mask off and Shuichi found himself staring into very familiar coal-colored eyes.

"Mira?!"

"So I was right!" Mira exclaimed with a smile. Shuichi's look of surprised instantly morphed into one of contempt and irritation.

"Yeah…Nice to see you, now if you'll excuse me…"

"Woah, hold up!" Mira said, grabbing hold of Shuichi's arm. "I haven't seen you in what, six years? And this is the greeting I get? I mean, what the hell are you even doing here?"

Shuichi looked away, it had been a while, but still… "I have to get back to Yuki." Shuichi stated, pulling his arm away and hoping Mira would take the hint.

"Oh yes, I heard about that. Yuki Eiri. You've done well for yourself, first a model and now a famous novelist." Mira said with a grin, though anyone could tell the comment was not meant to be a compliment.

"Oh please, you weren't a model at the time." Shuichi retorted scathingly.

"Don't be like that!" Mira pleaded playfully. "If you're still bitter about—"

"I'm not! Now if you don't mind I really need to be heading back."

"I don't think that will be necessary." Mira remarked, taking a step away from Shuichi and looking past him with a small smirk on his lips. "Seems like he's coming to us."

Shuichi's head snapped around and sure enough he could see Yuki making his way through the crowd towards them.

"Go away!" Shuichi hissed though he knew Mira had no intention of leaving.

"Alright."

Shuichi looked at Mira in surprise.

"But only if you promise to meet me tomorrow night. 1 a.m. outside your hotel, where are you staying?"

Shuichi looked uncertain, thinking quickly.

"I wouldn't suggest lying, my dear, I can find you one way or another."

"Hotel Danieli." Shuichi said finally. "Now please, just go."

"See you then!" Mira sang, blowing a kiss. Shuichi scowled after him, sending very strong mental curses towards the other.

"Who was that?" Shuichi jumped, having momentarily forgotten that Yuki was around.

"Er…he's a model who works in Italy. I knew him in high school." Shuichi replied awkwardly, wanting to give Yuki enough information so that he wouldn't feel the need to enquire any further.

"Does he have a name?"

"Huh?" Shuichi asked, slightly taken aback; of all the things he had expected Yuki to ask, Mira's name had not been on the list.

"His name's Mira."

"…No last name?" Yuki pressed and Shuichi could see he was curious despite how nonchalant he tried to act about it.

"I don't remember." The singer lied after a pause. "Anyway. Enough about him, let's get more of those strawberry things!" Shuichi exclaimed even as he was pulling Yuki towards the bar.

-xXx-

The couple finally made it back to their hotel room around two in the morning, Shuichi very much drunk and giggly and Yuki very much regretting having ever introduced Shuichi to strawberry daiquiris.

Immediately upon entering the room, Shuichi kicked off his shoes and ran to the bedroom, jumping onto the bed in a fit of laughter, calling for Yuki to come jump on the bed with him.

"Oh no. You go shower; you reek of alcohol. Besides, you'll make yourself sick jumping on the bed." Yuki commanded, pulling Shuichi up and pushing him towards the adjacent bathroom.

"Fine, fine." Shuichi slurred. "But only if you come join me!"

Despite himself, Yuki smiled as he watched Shuichi try to give him an "I'm serious" look only to keep breaking into hazy giggles. If only Japan could see its favorite pop star this drunk. Actually if only Japan could see him as he always was. …They'd probably just love him more.

"Of course I will."

"Promise?"

"Yes! Now in you get!" Yuki exclaimed, practically jumping out of the room before Shuichi could say more. He stood outside the door, waiting until the sound of the shower running became interwoven with a song. Comforted that his singer was otherwise distracted, Yuki headed to the room's phone with only a small mental curse at Shuichi for putting him in this situation yet again.

"Hello?"

"Hey Tohma, can you look someone up for me?"

"…Eiri? Is that you?"

"Huh? Of course it's—oh. Sorry, I'm calling with the hotel's phone."

"I see. Now what did you want from me?"

"We ran into some guy named Mira last night. Shuichi said he went high school with him."

"You want me to do a background check on some guy from Shuichi's high school days?"

"I know how this sounds," Yuki growled in irritation, "but I've never seen Shuichi act so coldly towards another person—well, except for Aizawa."

"Very well. Will I be able to reach you at this number?"

"For the next few days, yes."

"Then I'll get back to you soon."

Tohma put the phone back in its holder. Truth was he already knew all about Mira—he had found out about the model while investigating Shuichi when he and Eiri had first started dating. He never knew the extent of Shuichi's relationship with Mira, yet a few paparazzi photos of the model from early in his career also contained the singer—granted at that time Shuichi's hair had still been black so the relationship between the two had never been picked up by fans or the media.

He hadn't, however, imagined the two were more than just friends, he had simply taken note of the connection due to Mira's fame. But if Shuichi had reacted so adversely upon meeting his former friend, perhaps there had been more to the relationship…

Tohma sat back in his chair with a slight smile, wondering how long he should wait before telling Yuki what he knew.

-xXx-

=_= This… THIS STORY WAS ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE 2 CHAPTERS LONG!

Well. What happens, happens I suppose.